Ms. Governor Phil Bryant cuts the ribbon on the new Winston Plywood & Veneer Facility in Louisville, Ms. |
On Wednesday April 5th, 2017, local employees and workers, citizens, local dignitaries and state officials gathered together at the site of the new Winston Plywood and Veneer facility in Louisville to celebrate a new beginning, the spirit of local citizens, the faith and commitment of a company and its investors and a brighter future for Louisville and Winston County. The ribbon cutting event provided an opportunity for the community to see the facility firsthand and provide a means to reflect upon the effort and commitment required to reach the stage of production.
Jon Pierce, CEO of WPV noted that there were a lot of "thank you’s" to give. Pierce thanked the
Jon Peirce - CEO of WP&V |
Derric Stewart, an employee of Winston Plywood and Veneer spoke of his experience and the
Derric Stewart - employee of WPV |
Andrew Bursky, the Chairman of Atlas Holding (owner of WPV) spoke of the groundbreaking that occurred in January of 2015 at which time, Governor Bryant expressed a desire to see that the company build the best plywood mill in North America. He indicated that he…. “was proud to say that as this crowd stands here today we have met that commitment. This is something we can all celebrate – employees, customers and investors. We share a unique bond knowing what happened here in April 2014."
Bursky also acknowledged the students in the crowd who were members of Project Lead the Way from Louisville High School and indicated that Atlas and WPV provided the funding for that program with a goal of " inspiring today's students to be leaders in manufacturing."
Bursky said that Atlas works in 140 communities across the world. "There is no place where we have seen more support and encouragement than in Mississippi." He expressed support and thank you for Governor Bryant, Glenn McCullough of MDA, other state officials, Louisville Mayor Will Hill and Doctor Richard Baldwyn who spearheaded the project for WPV.
Also in attendance was Glenn McCullough, the Executive Director of the Mississippi Development
Glenn McCullough- Ex. Director of Ms. Dev. Authority |
"Phillip Gunn, Mississippi Speaker of the House said, "We have a lot of things to celebrate, a lot of backs to pat - local leaders, the legislature... we can celebrate because we have jobs in Winston County. We celebrate Winston Plywood and Veneer and their commitment and their belief in us. They are here because they believe in you."
Gunn spoke of the effort and success of the project. " What does that say about you? It is a testimony
Ms Speaker of House, Phillip Gunn |
Governor Phil Bryant spoke of the devastation after the April 2014 tornado, his wife's role after the storm and noted that everyone did what they did because this was their home. Bryant noted that Louisville and Winston County serve as an example for the nation. America needs rebuilding - homes, schools...... let them look to Louisville and Winston Plywood and Veneer for the material to rebuild. Out of tragedy comes greatness."
Louisville Mayor Will Hill made the closing remarks and took the opportunity to thank a large
Ms. Governor Phil Bryant |
Hill noted that it was not very many years ago then it was customary around Winston County to talk about job loss not job creation. Hill especially thanked Dr. Richard Baldwin, who came in after the storm and stated his commitment to the community and the Winston Plywood and Veneer project. He also thanked leaders from other communities in the area including the City of Noxapater. Special recognition and plaques were provided to plant manager, Ken Carter and Dr. Dick Baldwin and as the City of Louisville is the owner of the property, Mayor Hill presented keys to the facility to the three major CEOs involved in the project.
Winston Plywood And Veneer employees were involved heavily in the program. The invocation was given by Dennis Jackson and the National Anthem sung by Marcus Rivers.
Winston Plywood and Veneer is in operation and is at or near full capacity. Click here for more photos of the event.
Part of the crowd gathered for Ribbon Cutting of Winston Plywood & Veneer |